Match preview Vs Rushden & Diamonds Setanta Shield 5th rd

Date: 26-02-08
Venue: Aggborough
Kick off: 19:45hrs

This is the second attempt to stage this game after the first game back at the start of the month was called off because of a waterlogged Aggborough pitch. This time there should be no similar problems with the weather changing into a mild spell in the past week.

Because this game could go to extra time, and the dreaded penalties if needed, then we'll be wanting to finish it off within ninety minutes.

After Saturday's fiasco, when we threw away a penalty along with a one goal lead to lose at home to Salisbury, the fans will be wanting something to cheer and Mark Yates will want a win to save his skin. The knives are now coming out after the latest defeat and another one tomorrow night against Rushden will only make those cuts deeper.

We should be injury free for this game and will probably parade more or less the same side that wilted visibly on Saturday. Yates said after the game that there would be changes but the only changes he can make are weaker ones. We have no real quality in reserve and the team that started against Salisbury was as good as it gets.

Rushden went out of the FA Trophy at home to York City on Saturday and, with their League season finished just like ours, they'll be wanting a bit of the last piece of silverware on offer. Their fans aren't happy either and, like us, they're on the brink of revolt.

They seem to have no injuries following that game and they have no suspensions either so should be at full strength.

At 7:45 tomorrow night let's put our moans to one side for ninety minutes and for ninety minutes let's hope that the team play with the verve and skill that we know they can. Win this please for your managers future!